Lakers Trade Rumors: Jonny Flynn Would Be Underrated Addition for LA

The Los Angeles Lakers need to improve at the point guard position if they want to make a title run—that's no secret. What is a secret, however, is the ability of Jonny Flynn. The underrated young guard would be a terrific addition for the Lakers prior to the trade deadline.

Chris Broussard of ESPN reported earlier in the week about Los Angeles' interest in the former Syracuse standout:

No deal is imminent with either team, but both clubs are in desperate need of a point guard and have Flynn on their radar.

Flynn had a solid rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves after the team drafted him sixth overall in 2009, but injuries derailed his second year in the league. That led the Timberwolves, who were anticipating the arrival of Ricky Rubio, to trade him to the Houston Rockets.

He hasn't received much playing time since arriving in Houston. He's played in just seven games and is averaging three points and two assists.

While it would seem weird at first for a contender like the Lakers to take a chance on Flynn, they have to remember all of the potential he showed two years ago. He was one of the league's top rookies thanks to his ability to create his own shot while also improving his passing.

It's a risk the Lakers should be willing to take. Derek Fisher clearly doesn't have much left in the tank and Steve Blake isn't exactly the most thrilling option, either.

As Jeremy Lin is currently exhibiting for the Knicks, sometimes all it takes is a chance to shine for a player to take their game to the next level. There's no doubting Flynn's talent—he just needs a team that's willing to give him some extended playing time.

Playing alongside Kobe Bryant would give him a lot of room to operate as teams shade their defenses toward the perennial All-Star. He doesn't have to be anything special, he just needs to provide some semblance of an offensive threat to help boost the Lakers offense.

There isn't a perfect option available for the Lakers right now, so eventually they are just going to have to take a chance on somebody.

They would be better off giving that opportunity to a young player like Flynn, who could grow into the role, rather than an over-the-hill veteran off the free agent market.